CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION Chad
552. At its 1060th meeting, on 12 August 1994 (CERD/C/SR.1060), the Committee examined the implementation of the Convention by Chad on the basis of the previous report of the State party (CERD/C/114/Add.2) and its consideration by the Committee (CERD/C/SR.838).
553. The Committee noted that, despite the resumption of the dialogue with the State party in 1993, the fifth, sixth and seventh periodic reports of Chad that were to be presented in a single document had still not been submitted to the Committee. The Committee therefore noted that Chad had not fulfilled its obligations under article 9, paragraph 1, of the Convention.
554. The Committee was concerned about reports that tensions between ethnic groups continued in Chad, that the use of force by the authorities was frequent, that violent acts were being committed by the security forces, including members of the President's ethnic group and that the security of civilians was not assured.
555. The Committee expressed concern over reports on the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of human rights violations and over the lack of independence of the judicial system. It also expressed concern over information that the administration was paralysed by lack of resources and corruption.
556. The members of the Committee noted with satisfaction that, according to information received, international and Chadian non-governmental organizations had permission to work in the country and that some progress had been observed in the area of freedom of expression.
Concluding observations
557. At its 1067th meeting, held on 18 August 1994, the Committee adopted the following concluding observations.
558. It is regretted that the State party has not submitted any report to the Committee since 1986, despite the resumption of the dialogue with the State party in 1993. It does, however, note the difficulties deriving from the civil war in Chad, and from the fact that there is no permanent mission of Chad to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
(a) Principal subjects of concern
559. It is noted with concern that, according to information available two years after the end of the change of government in Chad, tensions between ethnic groups persist, and violent acts and multiple violations of human rights are still being committed, inter alia by the military forces and the security units.
560. Concern is also expressed regarding information on the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of human rights violations who, despite the Government's promises, have still not been prosecuted by the authorities.
561. The members of the Committee note with concern information received about the paralysis in the administration which affects all sectors of the public service, including the judicial sector. They express their concern over the attacks on the independence of the judicial authorities.
562. It is noted with satisfaction that international and Chadian non-governmental organizations can now work in the country and that some progress has been achieved in regard to freedom of expression.
(b) Suggestions and recommendations
563. The Committee recommends that the State party include in its next periodic report information on developments in the situation within the country, the strengthening of the rule of law in Chad, the composition of the population, the introduction of legislation to combat racial discrimination (article 4 of the Convention), the means available to individual victims of human rights violations to obtain justice and reparation (article 6 of the Convention) and the measures taken to promote education with a view to combating racial discrimination (article 7 of the Convention).
564. In the light of the above, the Committee requests the Government of Chad to expedite its overdue reports as a matter of urgency.
565. The Committee suggests that the Government of Chad avail itself of the technical assistance offered under the advisory services and technical assistance programme of the Centre for Human Rights.
